Hang made the statement at the ministry's regular press conference in response to reporters’ queries regarding China’s recent deployment of coastguard ships to operate in Vietnam's Tu Chinh reef area.
She underlined that Vietnam's stance on Tu Chinh reef isconsistent and has been repeatedly affirmed.
Vietnam resolutely opposes all actions that violate Vietnam's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over maritime zoneswhich are established in full in conformity with international law, especiallythe UNCLOS 1982, she stated.
Hang emphasised that Vietnam has and will persistently protect its legitimaterights and interests at sea through peaceful methods in line with internationallaw./.